Pumpkin pie.

Jack o’ lanterns.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

Thoughts of Halloween wouldn’t be complete without images of the weird-shaped, orange gourd.  All of those holiday pumpkin pies and goodies offer so much more than just window dressing and an excuse to indulge in forbidden treats.

They hold enough anti-aging magic to dazzle even a broomstick-riding witch, especially when applied externally.

How’s that for a Halloween mask?

They’re loaded with beta-carotene, and because of their antioxidant content, including vitamin A and active enzymes, they’re often a main ingredient in peels to brighten and nourish your skin with a natural chemical exfoliation.  And thanks  to its natural soothing ability, pumpkin is also a superb choice for all skin types, even sensitive, reactive skin.

DIY Pumpkin Facial:

Step 1: Take 1 medium slice of fresh pumpkin and remove the skin.

Step 2: Cut up into small chunks and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Step 3: Add 1 egg yolk and 2/3 cup milk. Blend again until egg is well incorporated.

Step 4: Apply the mixture to cleansed face and neck, keeping away from the eye area. Leave this mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

But beyond all that sciencey stuff, seasonal pumpkiny-scented products are just fun to have around in the fall!

For me, Demeter Pumpkin Pie fragrance is a fall favorite; I spray it on myself and all over my house.  It is a sweet yet tart fragrance and it truly conjures up visions of a perfect pie leaving a hot oven, or better yet, a fork coming toward your open mouth with a big bite of pumpkin pie on it (topped with a dollop of whip cream, of course).

Of course, there are plenty of pumpkiny beauty products to choose from.  There are pumpkin-scented soaps, pumpkiny body washes and lotions, pumpkin lip gloss–even pumpkin-flavored toothpaste, to scent yourself with the lush, delicious scent of the season.

Check ‘em out:

(The Great) Pumpkin Soap, Lush ($5.95)

This limited edition pumpkin-colored and shaped soap is with a devilishly spicy scent. It’s only around for Halloween so get yours before All Hallows Eve.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, Sephora.com ($44)

Detoxifying peel with a yummy pumpkin scent for the face and neck with pumpkin enzymes, age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A to stimulate cell turnover.

Simple Pleasures Pumpkin & Spice Gift Set, Kohls.com ($7.20)

Pumpkin and spice and everything nice!  Scented hand lotion and hand soap with coordinating shower caddy.

Ulta Pumpkin Spice Shower Gel, Ulta.com ($8.00)

A spicy shower scent that’s the perfect way to make a warm shower on a cold fall day feel extra-cozy.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin Flavored Lip Gloss, Sephora.com ($12)

Smooches! Delicious, kissable, high-gloss lips with great taste without the calories.  Feel free to encourage a second helping or three or more!

Pumpkin Pudding #30 Toothpaste, Smallflower.com ($4.95)

Forget the regular old mint toothpaste! This tooth whitener bursts with pumpkin flavor.

Have you ever tried pumpkiny beauty products?  Do you think the scent is yummy, too much of a muchness or “I’ll just stick with my Starbucks pumpkin lattes, thank you very much?”

Tags: beauty, Cosmetics, Halloween, holiday, jack o'lanterns, lip gloss, make-up, Organic, pie, pumpkin, skincare